Thursday, May 25, 2006

See? Front Page News. The CTA is... dirty. Now, come on people. It's always been dirty. It's probably no dirtier today than it was when I was 12 (ie 20 years ago.)

I think it's interesting that there are a few distinct reactions to this:

1) Arm yourself with Clorox wipes and Purell and Howard Hughes it up!2) It's all the CTA's Fault! They should clean up after all of us constantly!3) What is the big deal? We need germs and this didn't kill our grandparents. I love Bum Poop!

So, can I say "all three, please - except for the part about the bum poop because that's just being contrary!!" The lack of personal responsibility for hygeine is getting worse and worse. Yeah, I'm talking to you, blue jacket tan pants waits for the train at Merch Mart going Northbound in the morning and SPITS every five seconds, sometimes even over the railing! Gaaaaah! Disgusting.

Where the Tribune failed with their story is that it did not draw anyone in by including a personal angle. "Hey, if you practice good hygeine yourself, the CTA will become cleaner on its own! Put your Wendys bag in the trash can sometimes and see the difference it can make! Stop wiping your nose with your hand, then grabbing the pole!" Instead they focused on the CTA method of cleaning - which is not entirely bad, incidentally. They at least make an effort, but they can't have people de-germifying every surface on an el car when that person could be cleaning bird poop off of the escalator handrails (which is a much more valuable service, in my opinion.)

Someday the Tribune will say "Where is someone who will give people tissues?" And I will be here, pack extended.I'm going to try to notice how many people today have purell and 'barrier methods' for touching stuff. It will be fun.

PS THANK YOUR BAGGER! The bagger makes sure your eggs and your canned goods don't wind up in the same bag. Smile and thank your bagger once in a while OK?